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 The nations favourite spread?
A rare eighteenth century Scottish recipe book has been found to contain what is said to be the first known recipe for marmalade. The Recipe Book of Mrs Janet Maule is dated June 25th 1701, (although theÌýbook was completed ninety years later, in 1791) and it is due to go on saleÌýat Lyon & Turnball auctioneers inÌýEdinburgh next week.
THE ORIGINS OF MARMALADE
Marmalade has been around for aÌývery long time and there are huge disputes over who invented it. It is thought Arabs invented a thick apricot paste (like membrillo) in the Middle Ages, which was cut in slices and was available in boxes.ÌýHowever it wasÌýthe Scots who invented spreadable marmalade making itÌýusing fruit like oranges or quinces.
CLARISSA DICKSON-WRIGHT
The cook famous for being one half of 'two fat ladies'Ìý believes the new recipe bookÌýunearthed contains the first ever recipe for marmalade.Ìý It is possible to identify the date a recipe by examining the selection of ingredients.Ìý Ms Dickson-Wright says this new recipe is 15-20 years older than theÌýcurrent oldest specimens..
BREAKFAST SPREAD
Marmalade is distinct from jam due to the way it is made - in particular the use of jam (until the late 16th there wasn't much sugar available until the Ventians planted sugarcane on Cyprus). Proper marmalade should have slices of fruit in it.
YOUR RECIPES
Please email us your recipe for marmalade: today@bbc.co.uk
 Back to Reports 91Èȱ¬page
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